President William Ruto has reignited his focus on uplifting the lives of low-income citizens, popularly referred to as hustlers, a group that propelled him to power in 2022.
On Wednesday, while commissioning the Mombasa commuter train station, he announced a new plan by the government to cushion hustlers against Social Health Authority (SHA) charges. Many unemployed Kenyans and those in self-employment had complained of being charged up to Sh4,000 per month for the Social Health Insurance Fund (Shif).
According to the President, beginning Friday this week, the government will start paying SHA contributions for Kenyans who cannot afford it, in order to restore confidence among all citizens. He said the initiative is a step toward ensuring no one is left out of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan and challenged naysayers to give the government time to deliver.
“Beginning Friday this week, we shall be launching a programme to pay for more than 1.5 million Kenyans who cannot afford to pay for SHA. We are happy that the government can now offer health services to everyone, unlike before when healthcare was for the rich,” said President Ruto.
The Head of State also warned health facilities that deny citizens health services or demand cash from patients that they would not only be deregistered but their owners would also face the law.
“It is encouraging that Mombasa is leading in registration of SHA where more than 800,000 people have been enrolled out of 27 million countrywide. This is a big number, but we cannot leave behind those who cannot afford to pay their monthly dues,” said the President.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 1.5 million Kenyans cannot afford to pay SHA contributions, and they are the target of the new initiative. The President said the programme is part of the government’s measures to counter criticism from naysayers who believe the Kenya Kwanza administration will fail to deliver on its manifesto.
“We are happy with how we work with our team in a broad-based government, but those who are making noise out there have no agenda for Kenyans other than to divide citizens into tribal groups. I am giving those who do not trust my government a notice to give us time,” said Dr Ruto.
Visitors arriving at the Miritini SGR station will now enjoy a seamless, affordable connection to the heart of Mombasa, thanks to a new railway link.
Covering a stretch of more than 10 kilometres, the project marks a win for the national government’s last-mile connectivity efforts. However, for hundreds of matatus and taxis that benefitted from ferrying passengers to and from the SGR station at exorbitant prices, this launch will be the beginning of a nightmare.
Matatu Owners Association official Salim Mbarak confessed that Public Service Vehicles will incur losses following the commencement of the railway transport.
"We had some 100 matatus at Miritini SGR terminus ferrying passengers to other parts of the county. Now that the government is launching a direct link to the CBD, we will be forced to come wait for passengers within the town," said Mr Mbarak.
Picking up passengers within the CBD will mean that the taxis will have to compete with other regular PSVs, including the popular tuk tuks, at lower fares.
Tourism stakeholders led by the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers official Sam Ikwaye said the infrastructural facility will transform and add value to the destination. They called on the public to view it from a positive perspective.
"We are very excited because for once, the county and the region will get another infrastructural investment. Accessibility was a big challenge in Mombasa for people travelling for the experience. It will now be possible to do city tours and embark on wildlife tourism," said Dr Ikwaye.
Passengers at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Station at Miritini in Mombasa.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
However, the hotelier urged Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration to reorganise the county's experiences for maximum benefit.
According to him, the numerous passengers who will be boarding or disembarking the train within the CBD, rather than taking direct taxis to and from the SGR, will boost vibrancy in the city centre, which has been rapidly losing its allure to areas like Nyali, Bamburi and Mtwapa.
"We will start seeing restaurants back in town. Vibrancy of the city will return. Visitors coming through Mombasa must feel the city. We can't have such investment while the county isn't beautiful," he added.
The Sh6 billion project includes the rehabilitation of a 13.8-kilometre section of the century-old metre gauge railway between Mombasa CBD and Miritini, plus a new 2.8-kilometre spur line directly linking to the SGR terminus.
The service offers two commuter-friendly options: Park and Ride and Drop and Ride, supported by a parking facility for more than 100 vehicles at the Mombasa station. It is expected to serve more than 1,000 passengers daily, with potential to expand based on demand.
Kenya Railways has set the price at Sh50, whereas taxis charge between Sh350 and Sh1,000—amounts that are too high for many commuters.
The revamped line features several key stations: Mombasa Island (main station), Changamwe West, Changamwe East, and Miritini. Kenya Railways plans to operate three daily trips, catering to commuters during morning and evening peak hours. Initially, the service will run in sync with SGR arrival and departure times, with possible expansion depending on demand.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga added that the decision to rehabilitate the old rail line was driven by the need to address transport inefficiencies in the port city.
“We needed a system that serves both port clients and local commuters, something efficient, convenient, and a boost to Mombasa’s tourism,” said Mr Mainga.
Last month, the county government of Mombasa suffered a setback after its petition challenging the project was struck out. The county had accused Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) of carrying out the construction works without seeking and obtaining the necessary approvals.
This, the devolved unit claimed, was in disregard of the law and provisions of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act. However, the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Mombasa ruled that the petition by the county government did not contain any specific allegations or particulars of constitutional infringement or threat. Thus, the ELC struck out the petition against KRC and CRBC, saying there was no constitutional question or issue for determination.
